Apparatus for coating material



June 15, 1937. R. c. LAWRENCE 2,034,150

APPARATUS FOR COATING MATERIAL Filed Sept. 8, 1954 0 'KA/I/HVTOR I IQ.6. [A WEE/V62- 5 awfim ATTGRA/f) Patented June 15, 1937 UNITED STATESAPPARATUS FOR COATING MATERIAL Roger 0. Lawrence, Ridgewood, N. 3.,assignor, by

mesne assignments, to Western Electric Company, Incorporated, New York,N. Y., a corporation of New York Application September a, 1934, SerialNo. 743,181

10 Claims.

This invention relates to an apparatus for coating material and moreparticularly to a nozzle for steam wiping strip or sheet material whileadvanced longitudinally.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved nozzle forapplying steam or other gas to coated material.

I g In one embodiment of the present invention a nozzle is mounted toreceive and direct a gas iongitudinally of material while advancingfroma coating bath for. removing excess coating therefrom, said nozzlehaving portions relatively movable to condition the nozzle for materialsdiffering in width and thickness.

The invention will be more fully understood from the followingdescription taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, whereinFig. 1 is a vertical sectional view of the nozzle mounted in a casingfor receiving material from a coating bath;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 2-2 ofFig. 1 showing one form of adjusting means;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 33 of Fig.2, and

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view showing another form of adjustingmeans.

- Referring now to the drawing, wherein like reference numeralsdesignate similar parts through-' out the view, numeral l0 designates afixed portion of a nozzle which portion is U-shaped in general contour,the side walls extending upwardly therefrom as indicated in Fig. 2 byreference numerals II and I2. Mounted upon the side walls II and I2 ofthe fixed nozzle portion I0 is a supporting top l3 having a plurality ofapertures therein for receiving upper ends of adjusting screws I asillustrated in Fig. 1. The

threaded ends of the adjusting screws M are re- 7 ceivable in threadedapertures of a movable nozzle portion I6. Set screws l5 carried by thesupporting top and having their inner ends engaging lugs of the movablenozzle portion cooperate with the adjusting screws H to lock the movablenozzle portion IS in adjusted position. The

movable nozzle portion is similar in general contour to the fixed nozzleportion ID with the ex ception that it is not provided with side wallsas is the latter, but is slidably disposed between the side walls II andI2 where it may be moved by the adjustment of the screws l4 and I5.Adjacent the center of the nozzle portions l0 and I6, their facingsurfaces form a throat l8 for the nozzle which surfaces gradually taperoutwardly away from each other as they approach the outlet left end I!of the nozzle. The walls of the nozzle portions l0 and I6 also taperoutwardly from the throat l8 to the right thereof as illustrated in Fig.1 forming walls of gas chambers 20 and 2| respectively. The right handends of the nozzle portions l0 and "5 are turned inwardly and havesecured thereto directing elements 22 of the cross-sectional contourshown in Fig. l, which elements extend into the nozzle and terminate inedges 23 positioned short distances from the throat N. The adjacentsurfaces of the elements 22 are parallel with each other for a shortdistance, extending from the edges 23 to the right to form a passagewayfor a strip of material 25 to pass.

Positioned between the elements 22 and the adjacent surfaces of theirrespective nozzle portions l0 and I6 are spacing members 26 disposed atspaced positions along the inner edges of the elements, as illustratedin Figs. 1 and 2, to assure the proper passageway between the chambers20 and 2| and the throat l8 of the nozzle. These spacing members aresomewhat elliptical in crosssection, giving them a stream-linedformation so as to cause the least disturbance possible to the gas,which, as hereinafter described, is forced from conduits 21 and 28 intoand through the chambers 20 and 2|, respectively, through the throat l8of the nozzle and through the passageway leading to the outlet end 9 ofthe nozzle. The inner ends of the elements 22 are held against thespacing members 26 by screws, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.

The side walls II and I2 of the fixed nozzle portion l0 taperoutwardlyas illustrated in Fig. 2 and the point where the taper beginsconstitutes a portion of the throat l8 of the nozzle in that it formsthesides thereof. The side walls II and I2 seal the ends oi the chambers 20and 2| and although the nozzle portion I6 is movable relative to theside walls, the ends of the chambers remain sealed regardless of theposition into which the nozzle portion I6 is moved.

In Figs. 2 and 3 an adjustable element is illustrated for conditioningthe nozzle to receive strips of material of any desired width, theadjustable element consisting of an arm 3| having longitudinalprojections 32 disposed upon each side of a longitudinal extendinggroove and arranged to extend betweenthe inner edges 23 of the elements22 and the adjacent portions of the nozzle members l0 and IE to closethe passageway between the chambers 20 and 2| and the throat l8 of thenozzle for a desired distance. The inner edges 23 of the elements 22 arereceivable in the groove of the arm 3|, as illustrated in Fig. 3. Apartitioning portion 33 01' the adjustable element extends in a planeparallel to the tapered portion of the side wall l2 and has a contourcorresponding to the surface contour of portions III and It. Anadjusting screw 34 is rotatably mounted in the partition 33. A guide arm35 integral with the partitioning member 33 extends parallel with thearm 3| through a cutaway portion in the wall l2 to assist in holding theadjusting element against displacement and to assist in the movement ofthe adjusting member by the rotation of the screw 34. The arms 3| and 35not" only extend through the side wall l2 but through the adjacent wallof a casing 39 in which the nozzle is disposed. The adjusting screw 34also extends through the wall I2 and through a threaded aperture in thewall of the casing 39 (Fig, 2). The wall of the casing 39 adjacent thesupporting top l3 has apertures positioned in alignment with theadjusting screws l4 and the set screws i5 to permit adjustment of thenozzle portion IS without removing the nozzle from the casing.

As shown in Fig. 3 the upper portion I6 of the nozzle is lowered intoengagement with the partitioning member comprising elements 32, 33 and35. For coating thicker sheets a thicker partition may be substitutedfor the one shown, although this is not in all cases essential as asmall separation between the portion l6 and the element 32 will onlyresult in a slight loss of steam and will not interfere with the wipingoperation.

The adjustable nozzle is mounted in the casing 39 and removably held inplace by any suitable means (not shown). Suitable insulating packing 40may be disposed at spaces between the nozzle and the casing 39 andbetween the adjustable nozzle portion l6 and the supporting top l3 (Fig.1). The casing 39 is mounted upon a tank 4! and has its open or lowerend positioned beneath the upper surface of a coating bath 42, thecasing serving as a separating chamber for the gas and the coatingmaterial during the final wiping operation. A door 43 hingedly securedto the casing 39 and constituting a part thereof has a recessed portionin the lower surface thereof cooperating with a recessed portion in theupper surface of a fixed horizontally extending element 44 for forming awiping die 45. The fixed element 44 has its ends secured to projections46 of the casing 39 and at each side of the wiping die 45 are positionedcam latches 41 for holding the door 43 in any desired adjusted positiondetermined by the positions of adjusting screws 49, the latter servingas means to vary the size of the opening of the wiping die 45. The hingeconnection for the door may be constructed so as to allow this movementto take place either by having the hinge connection loose as shown orhaving the apertures oi the door which receives the hinge pin elongated.The location of the hinge makes it possible to swing the door upwardlyinto a position so that an operator may freely adjust the screws I 4 andI5.

In the present embodiment of the invention which contemplates coatingmetal sheets with tin, zinc, or the like, one form of gas which may beutilized in the adjustable nozzle for the final wiping operation may besuperheated steam which is passed through the nozzle at a pressuregreater than atmospheric pressure. The material 25 upon passing from thebath 42 of coating material passes through the wiping die 45 where aquantity of the excess coating material is removed, the remainder of theexcess coating material being removed as the strip of material 25 passesthrough the steam wiping nozzle. During the passing of the coatedmaterial through the nozzle, the superheated steam which is sent to thenozzle through the conduits 21 and 28 passes through the chambers 29 and2| and enters the throat l8 of the nozzle completely surrounding thecoating material and moves through the excess coating material therefromfrom the throat iii of the nozzle to the inner end l9 thereof. Thevelocity of the steam increases due to its expansion so that the coatedmaterial is subjected to a wiping action by the movement of the steam ata high velocity longitudinally thereof for a substantial distance. Theremainder of the excess coatingmaterial which is removed by this steamwiping operation is broken up into particles which are separated fromthe steam by gravity in the casing 39 and returned to the bath 42. Thespent steam passes from the easing into a laterally and upwardlyextending exhaust pipe ill. The thickness of the coating materialremaining on the coated sheet of material 25 may be controlled byvarying either the speed of the coated material or the pressure of thesteam or both, the higher speed tending to produce a heavier coatingwhile a higher steam pressure or temperature tends to produce a lightercoating.

In the present embodiment of the invention, a sheet of material is shownbeing coated. An important feature of the present invention is that thenozzle may be adjusted to condition it to receive sheets of material notonly of.various widths but of various thicknesses. If it is desired tocondition the nozzle to receive a sheet of material of greaterthickness, the adjusting screws I4 are rotated to move the movableportion l6 of'the nozzle away from the fixed portion I0 thereof toincrease the vertical dimensions of the passageways in the nozzle. Thenozzle may also be adjusted to receive strips of material of differentwidths by rotating the adjusting screw 34 (Fig, 2) to move the member 33to a desired location with respect to the side wall i l to obtain thedesired active width of the nozzle. Further-.

more, as above indicated, one of a plurality of sets of these units maybe employed, depending upon the thickness of the material being coated.

The form of adjusting means shown in Fig. 4 comprises a wedge shapedelement 55 having its upper and lower surfaces extending angularly withrespect to each other to engage the adjacent surfaces of the nozzleportions l0 and I3 and its side walls parallel to each other butextending at like angles from its front wall to conform to the taper ofside wall 22 of the nozzle in advance of the throat l9. When the element55 isdisposed in place, its inner or rear wall abuts the edges 23 of theelements 22 or extends between these elements, the element 55 beingbeing held in place by a clamp 53, the inwardly the wedge shape of theelement 55, one size may be used for more than'one gage of material 25,whereas different sizes may be used for difierent widths of material.

What is claimed is:

1. In an apparatus for removing excess liquid coating frommaterial'while advancing from a liquid bath, a nozzle having nozzleportions forming a passageway therein through which the portions fordirecting a gas under pressure through a portion of the passagewayaround the material to remove the excess liquid coating therefrom, oneof said nozzle, portions being 70 a coated material may pass, means insaid nozzle movable relative to the other for varying the size of thepassageway through the said nozzle, and. means for movingsaid nozzleportion perpendicularly to the path of said advancing material to 5maintain the same relation between the nozzle portion and the material.I

2. In an apparatus for removing excess liquid coating from materialwhile advancingimm a liquid bath, a nozzle having nozzle portionsforming a passageway therein through which the coated material may pass,means 'in said nozzle portions for directing a gas under pressurethrough a portion of the passageway around the material to remove theexcess liquid coating 15 therefrom, and means for moving one of saidnozzle portions'relative to the other in a direction perpendicular tothe path of the advancing material for varying the size of thepassageway through said nozzle. f 20 3. In an apparatus for removingexcess liquid coating from material while advancing from a liquid bath,a nozzle having nozzle portions forming a passageway therein throughwhich the coated material may pass, means in said nozzle 25 portions fordirecting a gas under vpressure through a portion of the passagewayaround the material to. remove the excess liquid coating therefrom,movable means disposed in said pas- "sageway for varying the sizethereof, and means 3'01'for moving said movable means in a directionperpendicular to the path of the advancing material. I

4. In an apparatus for removing excess liquid coating from materialwhile advancing from a 35 liquid bath, a nozzle having a passagewaytherein through which the coated material may pass and comprisingrelatively movable elements supported and guided for relative movementin a rectilinear direction, and meansffor moving rel- 40 ati'vely saidelements in a rectilinear direction for varying thesize of thepassagewayin said,

nozzle.

5. A nozzle for receiving a material having a liquid coating thereoncomprising nozzle portions having their inner surfaces formed to providea passageway for the coated material, a gas compartment formed in eachof said nozzle portions having their outlets positioned adjacent saidpassageway for directing gas under pressure therethrough during movementof the material for removing excess liquid coating therefrom, and meansfor varying the relative positions in a rectilinear direction of saidnozzle portions for varying the size of the passageway through saidnozzle.

6. A nozzle for receiving a material having a liquid coating thereoncomprising nozzle portions having their inner surfaces formed toprocoated materials to be advanced therethrough.

7. A nozzle for receiving a material having a liquid coating thereoncomprising nozzle portions having their inner surfaces formed toprogvide a passageway for the coated material. gas

compartments. formed in said nozzle portions having their outletspositioned adjacent said passageway for directing gas under pressuretherethrough during movement of the material for V removing excessliquid coating therefrom, means 8. A nozzle for receiving materialadvanced I longitudinally from a liquid bath comprising a nozzle portionhaving a base wall and side walls extending substantially at right atherefrom, a movable nozzle portion disposed between said side walls,means for moving said movable nozzle portion relative to the othernozzle portion perpendicular to the path of movement of the advancingmaterial for varying-the size of the passageway formed between saidnozzle portions; and chambers formed in said nozzle portions forreceiving gas under pressure and having theiroutlets positioned todirect the gas through the passageway around the material for removingtheexcess liquid coating therefrom.

9. In an apparatus for removing excess liquid coating from materialwhile advancing from a liquid bath, a nozzle having nozzle portionsforming a passageway therein through which the coated material may pass,one of said nozzle portions having a base wall and side walls extendingsubstantially at right angles thereto, the other of said nozzle portionsbeing movably disposed between said side walls and guided thereby, meansfor moving said movable nozzle portion' relative to the other nozzleportion for varying the size .of the passageway in vsaid nozzle inaccordance with variations in thickness of coated materials advancedtherethrough, means in said nozzle portions for directing a gas underpressure therethrough during movement of the material for removingexcess liquid coating therefrom, and means supported in one of said sidewalls and disposed in said passageway for vary-- ing the size of thepassageway in accordance with variations in .the widthsof coatedmaterials advanced therethrough.

10. A nozzle for receiving amaterial having a liquid coating thereoncomprising nozzle portions having their inner surfaces formed to providea passageway for the coated material, means in said nozzle portions fordirecting a gas under a pressure therethrough during movement of thematerial for removing excess liquidcoating therefrom, meansfor varyingthe relative positions of the nozzle portions for varying the size ofthe passageway in said nozzle to accommodate material of differentthicknesses to be advanced therethrough, and movable means disposedbetween the nozzle portions for varying the size of the passageway inaccordance with variations in. the widths of materials advancedtherethrough.

'- ROGER C. LAWRENCE.

